Ukraine braces for potential large-scale Russian offensive by early summer
Illustrative photo: the military explains whether Russia is preparing an offensive on Sumy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian forces are preparing for a possible escalation in Russian offensive operations on most frontlines in late spring or early summer, according to RBC-Ukraine's sources in military and political circles.
According to the sources, Ukrainian military leadership believes Russia may launch new offensive operations near the border areas of Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Also, the Defense Forces do not rule out the enemy's attempt to advance towards the Chernihiv region, although they view it as less likely due to “unfavorable geographic conditions.”
For several weeks, Russian forces have been advancing in the Sumy region, aiming to push Ukrainian units out of the Kursk region and to establish a so-called buffer zone. Their short-term objective is to enter Loknia in the Sumy region.
“Our forces are trying to hold the Russians back and are reinforcing that direction,” one source said.
The likelihood of encirclement of Sumy by the enemy is considered to be low, the sources added, noting that Ukrainian forces are preparing for different scenarios in response to potential Russian actions.
Additionally, Ukrainian military officials believe Russia could intensify operations not only in currently active areas but also around Siversk in the Donetsk region and in the south.
This includes the Zaporizhzhia region, where Russia is currently conducting limited tactical-level offensives, the islands on the Dnipro River in the Kherson region, and potentially an incursion into the Dnipropetrovsk region if further gains are made in Donetsk.
Russia is preparing for new offensive
Recently, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated that Russia has launched a new offensive on Kharkiv and Sumy regions. He noted that Ukraine has observed a nearly twofold increase in Russian offensive operations in recent weeks.
According to Syrskyi, Russia’s objective is to establish a buffer zone within the territories of Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions.
The statement drew widespread attention in the media.
Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed increased Russian activity in several key directions along the front line. However, they believe this is a continuation of offensive operations that began in May 2024, and do not indicate any major changes on the battlefield.
For more details on whether Russia is planning a large-scale offensive, see the material by RBC-Ukraine.
